The Romanian Government has adopted an emergency ordinance amending Law no. 200/2006 on the Wage Guarantee Fund, expanding employee protection in cases of insolvency or preventive concordat.
The new provisions extend coverage to employers under preventive concordat procedures and introduce higher caps for strategic economic operators. In insolvency cases, employees may receive up to 12 average gross wages per person, while in preventive concordat cases the cap is set at six average gross wages.
The existing rule allowing payment of wage claims for a maximum of five months and up to five average gross wages per employee remains in force for other cases.
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Strategic economic operators are defined as entities whose activity is essential for national defense, economic, energy, food or social security, or for the functioning of critical infrastructure and defense industrial capacities. The list of such operators will be established by government decision.
“For me, it is essential that people know their work is protected, even in the most difficult times for their employer. No one should be left without the income they earned through honest work. Through this ordinance, we strengthen employee protection and provide security that the state stands by them, including when companies face difficulties. We are talking about thousands of people, over 5,000 employees at companies such as Damen Mangalia, Liberty Galați or Romaero București, for whom this support can make the difference between uncertainty and stability. It is a measure of responsibility and respect for workers and the communities that depend on these jobs,” said Petre-Florin Manole, Minister of Labour.
Fiscal mechanism clarified
The ordinance specifies that payments from the Wage Guarantee Fund will be made in net amounts, with employment agencies directly transferring income tax and social contributions on behalf of employees.
Authorities state that these measures aim to prevent labor disputes, reduce social exclusion risks and support local communities dependent on strategic operators.
Photo: Energynomics
